GrimTaper,

Thanks for that Dark Star compilation idea. At first I'd thought, "No, I wanna have the Dark Star pieces in order," but actually you're right. It flows better if started with this second-verse-only rendition.

This one, in particular, at just over 4 minutes, must be in the running for shortest ever performance. It sounds almost as if Jerry just walks right off stage immediately after he finishes singing the verse.

The compilation mix definitely works better in the order that Grim Taper suggests.

Having not spent much time with this soundboard source, preferring to listen from a local file, it is difficult to comment on the recording itself, but as a soundboard it is pretty much as one would expect. There are, however, periodic cable glitch noises which may feel harsh to lovers of pristine board tapes.

This Dark Star, somewhat less pronounced in the sbd mix than in the audience pulls of the amphitheater sound, is dominated by Vince's repetitive main keyboard motif. The balance is actually better on this board tape, but Jerry sounds even more tentative in this recording, whereas in the Nak 300 audience tape it's difficult to tell if it's just a bad mix in the venue or if there really is that little guitar playing.

Although I have fond memories of the day, I think it's fair to say that the performance doesn't quite live up to the set list, especially when compared to the absolutely exuberant Richfield show from earlier in the month that Grim Taper mentions. The epic jam one might expect from Scarlet/Fire, and even this Dark Star present themselves as more of a nothing burger than what one might expect them to be.

Personal highlight is the sequence from Drums ~ The Other One. Considering old renditions of TOO often had extended drum solos, I'd be inclined to track this as one continuous The Other One, but realize that I'm in a severe minority with that opinion. I like to have Scarlet/Fire's tracked as one, too, and often merge them for personal use.

There are what seem to be some unusual improvisational choices in the Other One instrumental sections which make it stand out. Jerry gets a nice Stella Blue in toward the end, too.

The first set also ends strongly with interesting performances of Ramble on Rose, Beat It On Down the Line, and Deal.

For me, this recording is a useful document that fills in some (many?) memory gaps, but tends to be something I listen to every year or two just to confirm or re-evaluate my opinion, rather than to enjoy regularly.

I sang a little while and then flew on.

Did not get to attend this show, but really enjoyed this recording. First set is not bad, and the second set more than satisfies. I would recommend hearing this Victim>Dark Star>Drums>Beam>Healy, then the Dark Star Jam from 6/18/92, then the Jam>Drums>Space>Dark Star from 6/8/92 for the full 92 Spring Tour Dark Star Experience.